Australian Open 2024: Novak Djokovic remains comfortably on top Down Under

Last month, at the end of yet another record-breaking season, Novak Djokovic appeared on the American television program ‘60 Minutes.’ Even though most of these pre-planned athlete appearances tend to be neatly managed PR exercises, it ended up being a fascinating show, in most part due to the openness with which Djokovic reveals the most intricate details of his thought process.

It was not just the revelations – the emotional toil of playing against crowds that have mostly rooted against him, the way he uses eye contact during changeovers and notices minute details about his opponents to wear them down, the work that goes behind building his famed mental resilience, among others – but the comfort with which he offers up these details himself.

Even if briefly, the host, veteran tennis writer Jon Wertheim, attempts to peel the layers of a complicated yet glorious legacy, and Djokovic plays ball. With the ease in which he gives a glimpse into his mindset, the Serb showed just how comfortable he feels at the top of this sport’s peak at the moment.

Rod Laver Arena holds a special place in @DjokerNole‘s heart 💙 pic.twitter.com/7qeUulxBGd

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2024

Djokovic spent much of last year ending all debates. He has now won 24 Majors – at least three at each of the four Grand Slam tournaments. On Monday, he kicks off his 408th week as World No. 1. He may not have captured every fan’s imagination, but he has certainly captured the title of the greatest player men’s tennis has ever seen.

And with no dips in hunger, he kickstarts his title defence at this year’s Australian Open hoping to begin another year in which he will assert his sovereignty over the sport he has spent much of the last decade dominating.

On offer in 2024 are four more Grand Slam titles, as well as the Olympic gold medal that has eluded him in his formidable career. The chase starts on Sunday.

A masterclass from a master 🇷🇸 🏆 pic.twitter.com/CevMtKKeMz

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 12, 2024

“It’s no secret that I verbalise my goals and I say clearly that I want to win every slam that I participate and play on. It’s no different this year,” he said at his pre-tournament press conference.

“I’m just hoping I can start the season in a way that I have been starting my seasons, most of my seasons, throughout my career: with a win here in Australia, in Melbourne. My favorite place, no doubt. The court where I’ve done great things and achieved my greatest Grand Slam results.”

Djokovic arrives in Melbourne as a 10-time former champion, unbeaten at the Sunshine Slam since 2018. Barring a spirited performance from Dominic Thiem in the 2020 final, none of those 28 matches have felt particularly close.

Djokovic enters almost every tournament as a favourite, but it is in Melbourne in particular where he exudes a greater aura. Opponents across generations have struggle to break through his hard court expertise, especially in the cooler temperatures during the night sessions of the showpiece Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic’s age-defying dominance over the sport is thanks to steady, understated evolution, transforming his relentless defensive playing style by heightening the aggression through precision from the baseline, more attacking court positioning, and a vastly improved, powerful first serve. These changes have, over time, made him an even greater threat on the Australian hard courts.

Such is his dominance that physical issues are no longer considered a hindrance. He won in 2021 with a severe tear in his abdomen. Last year, he stormed through the draw while cancelling practice and constantly receiving treatment for a thigh injury. This year too, a niggling wrist that cost him a loss at the United Open last week has been played off as no big deal.

Supporting cast

So who will are the challengers this year? Chief among those attempting to dethrone him will be 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz. The World No. 2 became a phenomenon thanks to a charismatic playing style and overnight success, but his status in the game was elevated after he prevailed against Djokovic in five epic sets in last year’s Wimbledon final.

Physical issues have taken a toll and he has not hit those heights since, but he arrives at any Grand Slam as a genuine contender now, best-suited to end Djokovic’s hegemony over the Australian Open like he did at Wimbledon.

Fourth-seeded Jannik Sinner had a solid end to 2023, spearheading Italy to the Davis Cup title and beating Djokovic twice in three matches over one month. He is out to prove he is the real deal.

World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev is in the conversation at every hardcourt event, having reached three US Open finals (winning one) and two finals in Melbourne.

Outside of the top 4 seeds, a set of supporting cast members will look to flip the script. Eighth-seeded Holger Rune, like Alcaraz and Sinner, is one of the upcoming young guns of the sport and one to keep an eye on. Home favourite and 10th seed Alex de Minaur led Australia to triumph at the recent United Cup, and comes in form after a win over Djokovic this month. As does Alexander Zverev, who has shown little sign of slowing his injury comeback down as he continues to compete despite a second domestic abuse allegation surfacing last year.

Any Major is far from a foregone conclusion, but Djokovic’s status as overwhelming favourite is hard to counter. Fit and sharp, he will take some stopping this coming fortnight. It may take an inspired, outrageous campaign, like Alcaraz’s in London last year, to put an end to his reign.

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